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Toms River board reports drop in reportable student incidents; district outlines prevention partnerships
Summary
The district presented its Student Safety Data System report for July–December 2024 showing a 13.5% decrease in reportable offenses and a 32% drop in confirmed HIB; the board approved the report and the district highlighted partnerships and programs to reduce incidents.
The Toms River Regional School District reported a 13.5% decline in reportable offenses and a 32% decrease in confirmed harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) incidents for the July–December 2024 reporting period, district presenter Thomas told the Board of Education at its July meeting.
The SSDS (Student Safety Data System) report, submitted twice a year as required by state rules, tallied 157 incidents in the first half of the 2024–25 school year, including 70 acts of violence, 19 incidents of property damage, 6 weapons incidents, 34 substance-abuse incidents and 28 confirmed HIB incidents, Thomas said. "Research shows that certain behaviors strongly correlate with decreased academic achievement, increased concerning behaviors, and impact to future success," he said.
The board approved the SSDS report by roll-call vote. The district said it reviews SSDS data monthly and cross-references student performance, demographic and school-climate data as part of its safety work. Thomas outlined programs in place districtwide — including social-emotional learning, positive behavioral interventions and partnerships with the Health and Wellness Coalition, the YMCA and the Toms River Police Department — to address mental-health needs, addiction and school safety.
District officials emphasized prevention and engagement measures: character-based curricula, responsive classroom practices, and peer-mentor and leadership training were cited as central to the district's approach. Thomas also noted regular highlights such as Red Ribbon Week and the Week of Respect as opportunities to reinforce these programs.
The SSDS presentation and the board's subsequent approval keep the district on schedule for its reporting obligations and for continuing the cited programs; no additional board action was taken at the meeting beyond approval of the report.
